Breaking Free from Tradition’s Chains – Honoring Tradition without Losing Ourselves : Tradition a Bridge or a Barrier? 

I have no issue with tradition itself; my real problem is with the misconceptions people hold about these traditions, treating them as if they are life-or-death mandates. Is tradition meant to uplift us, like oral stories passed down to guide us, or has it become a sentence that binds us to outdated beliefs?

It might sound funny, but this is real life for some people. In my neighborhood, there’s a single mother with four different fathers for her eight children. The youngest ones are twins. She can barely feed them, so I often bring her groceries or pass on old clothes. I’ve also tried talking to her about family planning, but she always brushes it off, saying it makes her uncomfortable. So, I took it upon myself to teach her the natural cycle method, explaining her safe and unsafe periods. But whether I was a bad teacher, she was a reluctant student, or it was simply neglect, she’s pregnant again—and her youngest kids are barely two.

I was deeply disappointed. I asked her, “Why have another baby when you’re struggling to feed the ones you have? Why put these children through such stress?” Her response shocked me: “According to Akan tradition, you’re supposed to have another child after twins.” I couldn’t believe it. I asked, “What if you have another set of twins or even triplets?” I was furious—maybe because I had seen the suffering her children go through and the constant support they need. Or perhaps because it seemed selfish to keep having unprotected sex without considering the consequences.

I don’t want to be too hard on her, though. We were all taught to believe certain myths as children. Like the idea that singing in the bathroom meant your mother would die, when really, they just didn’t want soap to get into our mouths. Or no sweeping at night (after 6pm) or collecting the rubbish and throwing it in the bin, which was really a way to prevent us from accidentally sweeping away something valuable.

It makes me wonder—who came up with these myths?

There’s a saying that albinos shouldn’t visit the washroom on Fridays, or they might go missing. I’m still trying to find the reasoning behind this one.

And then, there’s the rule about not greeting someone when they’re on their way to the washroom—particularly a public one. You’re only supposed to greet them after they return. This was actually meant to avoid long conversations that might leave someone in an awkward or uncomfortable situation!

Or the belief that blowing a whistle at night, whether with your lips or an instrument, would attract dwarfs into the house. Really, it was just a way to keep the peace so others could have a good night’s sleep.

Then there’s that strange explanation for sunny rain—when it rains and the sun shines at the same time. People say it’s the ghosts’ market day, as if they’re out shopping. But what is that supposed to communicate to us, or how does it help?

Each of these “superstitions” might have had practical roots, but sometimes the reasons behind them are as much a mystery as the myths themselves!

As I mentioned, some of these traditions aren’t bad or intended to harm. Rather than taking them literally or treating them as strict rules, it’s important to ask questions, understand their origins, and seek common ground. Try to find ways to blend these traditions with what you know.

Tradition should be a bridge, not a barrier. When we engage with open minds and respectful hearts, we turn cultural heritage into wisdom we can truly live by, not rules we blindly follow.

Steps for Engaging Thoughtfully with Tradition:

Listen with Openness: Approach traditions with a willingness to understand rather than dismiss them. Often, there are cultural or historical reasons that offer valuable insights.

Ask Questions: Don’t be afraid to ask elders or community members about the meaning behind a tradition. Understanding the why can reveal its purpose or dispel unnecessary fears.

Analyze the Relevance: Consider whether the tradition serves a beneficial role today. Does it protect, teach, or guide? Or has it become an outdated practice?

Adapt Respectfully: Find ways to honor the tradition while incorporating your own values and modern perspectives. Sometimes blending tradition with contemporary insights can lead to the best of both worlds.

Share What You’ve Learned: Once you’ve explored a tradition thoughtfully, share your insights with others. You might help others understand or appreciate it in a new way.

In the end, traditions are a part of our identity, connecting us to our roots, to our ancestors, and to a shared cultural history. But as with any inherited belief, it’s crucial to approach these practices with both respect and curiosity. Traditions were often born in a different time, for different circumstances, and it’s our responsibility to ask if they still serve us in meaningful ways today.

By questioning and understanding the purpose behind these customs, we can carry forward what empowers us while respectfully letting go of what doesn’t. It’s not about rejecting tradition, but about interpreting it in ways that honor both the past and the present. If we blend knowledge with cultural values, we create a path that’s both rooted and adaptable, one that can carry us forward without confining us.

When we approach traditions this way, we’re not just preserving culture; we’re enriching it, making it accessible and relevant for the next generation. Tradition, when treated with understanding, isn’t a burden or a rigid rule—it becomes a guide, a source of wisdom, and ultimately, a tool for growth. Let’s carry our heritage forward with pride, allowing it to shape us, but never allowing it to limit us.

With Love, 

Rammie.